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Volunteers Join Search for Missing Mother of “Today” Show Host
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, has prompted a small group of volunteers to conduct their own searches in the dense desert surrounding her Arizona home, despite requests from authorities to leave the investigation to professionals.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her residence just outside Tucson on January 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities believe she was taken against her will, with drops of blood discovered on her front porch. However, investigators have publicly shared limited evidence about the case.
“We all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a weekend statement addressing those inquiring about volunteering.
Despite this request, volunteers have continued searching the area. A small group reported finding a black backpack on Sunday, though authorities quickly determined it wasn’t the same brand as one seen in FBI-released surveillance footage showing a masked individual at Guthrie’s home the night of her disappearance. The sheriff’s department confirmed to local media that the bag and its contents didn’t appear to be viable leads.
Among those joining the search efforts are members of Madres Buscadoras de Sonora (Searching Mothers of Sonora), an organization formed by mothers searching for missing loved ones in Mexico. Two women from the group were spotted Sunday carrying digging tools near Guthrie’s home and posted fliers with her picture on her mailbox.
“We know the soil. We know when someone has dug deep or when there is a shallow grave,” said Lupita Tello, who joined the group after her son disappeared in Mexico in 2020. Tello explained that a friend of one of Nancy Guthrie’s daughters contacted the group for assistance because of their experience. The organization has located the remains of more than 5,000 people in Mexico since its formation a decade ago.
Tello said she and other volunteers will continue posting flyers near Guthrie’s home and in Nogales, Mexico, noting that group members have received training from Mexican forensic experts on proper search techniques.
Law enforcement experts caution that while volunteer searchers often have good intentions, uncoordinated efforts can potentially compromise investigations. Tony Estrada, former sheriff of neighboring Santa Cruz County, emphasized the importance of coordination with authorities.
“You can’t have people all over the place looking for something and not reporting to anybody or letting them know that they’re going to be in that area,” Estrada said. “They may be trampling into things that may come out to be helpful in the future.”
Chris Boyer, executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue, noted that while most search operations for U.S. law enforcement agencies include volunteers, untrained individuals can inadvertently contaminate crime scenes. Proper volunteers should undergo background checks and receive training in first aid and evidence preservation, all while working under official direction.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department revealed that several hundred people are working on the investigation, which has generated more than 20,000 tips. The FBI and other agencies are assisting, and authorities have maintained round-the-clock surveillance at Guthrie’s home.
The case has drawn significant attention to the neighborhood, with media crews, bloggers, and onlookers constantly present. Some neighbors appreciate the focus on finding Nancy, while others have placed traffic cones and signs on their properties to maintain privacy.
Meanwhile, a memorial outside Nancy Guthrie’s home continues to grow with flowers, yellow ribbons, crosses, prayers, and religious items. Local resident Aran Aleamoni, who has known the Guthrie family for years, recently placed a bouquet alongside a sign reading “Let Nancy Come Home.”
“My heart goes out to the entire family,” Aleamoni said. “We are all pulling for you. We’re with you in your corner.”
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10 Comments
It’s concerning that the authorities have released limited evidence about the case so far. I hope they are conducting a thorough investigation and not withholding important information from the public. The volunteers’ actions may be well-intentioned, but they could inadvertently compromise the probe.
You raise a good point. Maintaining the integrity of the investigation is critical, so the authorities likely have valid reasons for restricting the information they share publicly. The volunteers should heed their advice and avoid interfering.
While the volunteers’ efforts are admirable, the authorities are likely better equipped to handle this sensitive investigation. Interfering could inadvertently hinder the search efforts and put people in danger. I hope the police can find a way to work with the volunteers constructively, but their safety concerns are understandable.
The discovery of the backpack, even if unrelated, shows the volunteers’ dedication to finding any clues. However, the police are right to urge caution, as uncoordinated searches could destroy evidence or even put the searchers themselves at risk. I hope the authorities can find a way to channel the volunteers’ energy productively.
This is a heartbreaking situation, and I can understand the desire of the volunteers to help. However, the police are right to be cautious about uncoordinated searches, as they could disrupt the investigation or even endanger the searchers. I hope the authorities can find a way to involve the volunteers in a controlled and safe manner.
The volunteers’ actions show their concern for Nancy Guthrie, but the authorities are probably right to be cautious. Uncoordinated searches could compromise evidence or put people in danger. I hope the police can find a way to channel the volunteers’ energy into a controlled and productive effort that supports the investigation.
The volunteers’ determination to find Nancy Guthrie is admirable, but the authorities are probably right to urge them to leave the investigation to the professionals. Uncontrolled searches could compromise evidence or put people at risk. I hope the police can find a way to work with the volunteers constructively while maintaining the integrity of the probe.
This is a tragic situation. I hope the authorities can find Nancy Guthrie and bring her home safely. The volunteers’ determination to help is admirable, but I understand the police’s concern about the risks of an uncontrolled search effort. Hopefully they can work together constructively.
This is a complex and sensitive situation. While the volunteers’ determination is admirable, the authorities are likely correct to be concerned about the risks of uncontrolled searches. Hopefully, the police and the community can find a way to work together constructively to aid the investigation and bring Nancy Guthrie home safely.
This is a tragic case, and the volunteers’ willingness to help is understandable. However, the authorities are likely correct in their concerns about the risks of uncontrolled searches. The volunteers’ actions, though well-intentioned, could inadvertently hinder the investigation. I hope the police and the community can find a way to work together effectively.